Meaning, origin, history
Clarice is a feminine given name of Latin origin. Its meaning is "bright" or "clear." The name comes from the Late Latin word "clarus," which means "famous" or "clear."
The name Clarice was popularized by the Italian Renaissance poet Petrarch, who wrote about a woman named Laura in his collection of sonnets known as "Canzoniere." Although it is not clear whether Laura was a real person or a fictional character, her name became associated with beauty and elegance due to Petrarch's poems. Clarice is often seen as a variant of the name Clara, which has similar meaning and origin.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Clarice. One famous example is Clarice Lispector, a Brazilian author known for her innovative and experimental writing style. Born in 1920, she wrote numerous works that explored themes such as identity, sexuality, and death.
In popular culture, Clarice is also associated with the character Clarice Starling from the film "The Silence of the Lambs." Portrayed by Jodie Foster, Clarice is a young FBI trainee who seeks help from Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer. Although not based on any real person, this fictional character has contributed to the name Clarice being recognizable in modern times.
Overall, Clarice is an elegant and timeless name with Latin roots and a rich history behind it. Its meaning of "bright" or "clear" can be seen as symbolic of intelligence, clarity, and elegance. Despite not being as commonly used today compared to other names like Clara or Claire, Clarice remains a beautiful option for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Clarice since 1880
Total births
96
Total since 1880
Peak year
1927
12 births
in 1936
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years